New Year's Resolution

My new year's resolution is to make a strong attempt to use the CPAP machine that I have stored in my closed for a year or two now. A little background:

I probably had my first sleep study about five years ago. I was diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea. Not too severe but I had a lack of concentration, a couple of close calls with driving accidents, a lack of focus and a deteriorating relationship with wife and kids. So I got a CPAP machine and used it a couple of times for the first two weeks and really couldn't bear it so I stopped using it. Then after about two years, I got another sleep study, got another machine and same thing happened - quit using it. But this was at a period where we had our baby sleep with us because it was just too tiring to keep staying up to feed him so this hindered my ability to use the CPAP.

I really want to give CPAP a try first for several months before exploring surgical alternatives. Anyone else have a real difficult time using CPAP? Looking for words of encouragement and looking to make this year the year I use it for several months before thinking about surgery. Thanks!

Welcome to the boards! It's a very good resolution indeed.

What equipment are you using? There have been significant advances in equipment since last you tried CPAP. They are smaller, quieter and more comfortable generally.

Also, did you have a specific type of discomfort that caused you to discontinue use? Usually, those on this board are pretty good at working such situations through with second and third timer cpap users. They've heard it all.

You should post this in the "CPAP and Sleep Apnea" category and listen for Titrator, Rested Gal or Wading Thru the Muck to give you some advice.

I wish you the best at sticking with that one, i know that I feel lots better when i use mine If for no other reason do it for your children!!!!

Bless you and your family, Corey

I use resmed S6 but it is not APAP.

My major compliant was that I felt like I was gasping for air and call it weird but it felt like I couldn't breathe at times. This was magnified as I have allergies and have nasal congestion, which I am taking Singulair and Rhinocort spray for. Also, the few days that I did use it, I did not feel any better than when I slept without CPAP (I know it takes some time to feel better). There were times I would wake up with the CPAP removed so I must have subconciously taken it off.

Maybe I just didn't want to "deal with the problem" and avoided it all together.